Healthy Her | Hydration

A study by The University College London found that it could take an average of 2 months to form a habit. A healthy habit for women is to stay hydrated by drinking water! Water supports proper function in many different systems in the body.

Why should I drink water?

The Harvard Medical School Special Health Report shares that water has many important jobs including

• carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
• flushing bacteria from your bladder
• aiding digestion
• preventing constipation
• normalizing blood pressure
• cushioning joints
• protecting organs and tissues
• regulating body temperature
• maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance.

When you don’t get enough water, you can become dehydrated, get headaches and dizziness and even suffer from heatstroke or exhaustion. For active women, such as runners, lack of water can cause muscle cramps or increase risk of passing out. During pregnancy, it can also lead to preterm labor because you don’t have enough water in your system.

How much water should I drink?

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.

In addition to monitoring your water intake, your diet can contribute to your overall hydration. Some foods such as watermelon and spinach can contribute to your water goals. Other beverages such as milk, juice and tea contain mostly water. Caffeninated drinks, like your favorite coffee, can contribute to your water intake. However, balance is reccommended. It can helpful to drink a glass of water for each caffinated beverage.

How will I know I am drinking enough water?

Your body will signal to you if your fluid intake is up to par. If you rarely feel thirsty or have colorless or light yellow urine, you are on the right track.

Starting a habit can take time and be challenging! Set yourself up for success by developing a plan. Grab your favorite water bottle and keep it filled up throughout the day. Order a water cup with meals where you are enjoying a caffeinated beverage. Start and end your day with a class of water. You can do this!

Challenges with friends can also be movitating in helping you achieve your water goals. For the month of September (2023), our Women's Wellness Facebook group is hosting a hydration challenge. Join our ladies only Facebook group to learn more and to start logging your achievements.